Flavin Media

As the Bruins continue to fight for every pair of points they can get, some of the team’s top players could be offering more. Let’s take a closer look at these players and be clear about what issues might be holding this team back…

To Brad Marchand:
We need you obsessed with setting the example—using any of your skating ability to dump the puck and battle along the boards. It’s clear linemates and other teammates could forecheck more rigorously, and it’s your job to set that tone.

To Charlie McAvoy:
The numbers have always been promising, and you can only do so much. But can we get less hesitancy in shooting and making offensive decisions while also embracing a more physical defender’s game? When people talked about your game coming into the league, there was a bar you could possibly reach—one you haven’t hit yet.

To David Pastrnak:
Your team is playing a different style now. You need to ease up on the side-to-side stickhandling mindset. The most skilled players on teams like the Florida Panthers don’t even think this much about offensive decisions—so start playing north, dumping the puck, and things will work out.

To Nikita Zadorov:
You’re a mountain of a defenseman, but none of it matters consistently because you don’t play enough within the Bruins’ defensive structure. Be more conscious of how you support the players around you, and the organization will love you.

These are the conversations Sacco should be having with these players, and I’m sure he’s aware of these themes. This team isn’t one of the best assembled, but as I’ve said constantly: you could be getting more out of these players.